The Perpetual Knitter

Monday, August 2, 2010

I haven't been blogging, but I have been knitting. I posted my very first design on Ravelry tonight, and you can take a look here:http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/miss-adelaides-tea-party-dress. Its a little dress for my great niece Adelaide, and it turned out well if I do say so myself. I will write out the pattern to post soon. (Additional photos on Ravelry).

I have always been so envious of people who are prolific designers, and wondered how they come up with their inspiration, but mostly have been curious about pattern development. I guess I am about to find out as I attempt to write the pattern for more than one size. Anyone have any suggestions?

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Sorry blog world! I have ignored you, and like all good relationships, I willtry to make ammends...The last month has been a whirlwind of activity here. First, my oldest daughter Kaillie was off to the mission field in Cambodia and Thailand for 4 months. 2 weeks ago, Kaillie got very sick with Dengue Fever, and mosquito borne illness similar to malaria. At one point they thought they may have to evacuate her to Singapore or Thailand for platelet transfusions. The poor kid was miserable- fevers between 103- 105 degrees in a country where its already 100 degrees outside, and no air conditioning. Praise God, she recovered quickly and was back in the orphanage working on the day the doctors told her she would feel th worst!! The rash was ugly followed by the accompanying intestinal disruption, but that was the least of our worries!! Thank you so much to all of our praying friends and family who got us through that one!!

Next, I was off to Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic to do a surgical mission with several doctors, and nurses from the hospital where I work. What an amazing opportunity to serve God and His less fortunate people in this way. I was so humbled and grateful for the chance to work with these wonderful, truly thankful people!!! I can't wait to return.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Saturday, May 2, 2009

What happens next? Let me introduce therest of the team. First is my ever faithful JensenCastle wheel. Its made from solid cherry, and wascarved in Wisconsin by Jerry Jensen. It is very reliable,pretty, and spins like a dream, but then, Jensen wheelsgenerally do.

This is another beautiful Jensen wheel- a 36"solid cherry wheel that my husband gave mefor Christmas about 8 years ago. He asked meonce what my "dream wheel" would be- I gotout my Spin Off magazine, and found an addfor Bountiful Spinning and Weaving in Colorado."This one" I said with a far away look in my eye.I knew what this wheel costs, I had already donethe research. My husband began a little researchof his own; he called Jerry Jensen and told him thathe NEEDED this wheel. He explained that is wife wasa fiber addict, and this was the wheel of her dreams.That was at the beginning of November. He alsoexplained that he wanted to give it to me for Christmas.Mr Jensen kindly explained that he didn't have one, it would have to be carved, and that would take awhile. When my husband explained that it was a total surprise for me and his wheel was the onlyacceptable one, Mr Jensen very kindly took a rush order. He would carve the wheel and send it toMike in pieces, Mike would do all of the finish work. You can only imagine how totally shocked I wasto find this wheel under the tree! I cried when he told me this story. I will always be grateful for suchan amazing and thoughtful gift. I cherish this wheel. Thank you Mr Jensen,for letting my persistant husband tug at your heart strings with his soppy story....

Last but never least, is my Majacraft Suzi Pro. This is my little workhorse! Its smooth treadle action can keep my spinning for long periodswhen I am doing production spinning for a big project. It spins like a dreamand always produces a nice consistant yarn. Plus, its portable if I want totake it along somewhere- it rides nicely in the car with a seatbelt ontoo. : )

There you have it. The whole shabang. Next up- getting the newroom ready to work in, and putting a dent in that stashwith a few Finished Objects!!

Daryl, the angora goat, Ramsey and Gisele, the Jacob sheep. They provide lots and lots of fleece for me to play with. Its almost time for a spring haircut! Next week at this time, I'll post the "Makeover" photos I hope. Then, all of the fleece will go off to be processed and come back ready to spin.

Here's my room today. New carpet and paint, and some track lighting. Still to come- shelving, counter space to cutting patterns and setting uip sewing machines, and LOTS of shelving and bins to store the stash...